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Arthur T Knackerbracket has found the following story:
Large ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, will collapse and disappear alarmingly quickly, once a crucial tipping point is reached, according to calculations based on real-world data.
Writing in Nature Communications, researchers from Bangor University, Southampton University and The School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London, reveal the speed at which ecosystems of different sizes will disappear, once they have reached a point beyond which they collapse -- transforming into an alternative ecosystem.
For example, once the 'point of no return' is reached, the iconic Amazon rainforest could shift to a savannah-type ecosystem with a mix of trees and grass within 50 years, according to the work.
Some scientists argue that many ecosystems are currently teetering on the edge of this precipice, with the fires and destruction both in the Amazon and in Australia.
"Unfortunately, what our paper reveals is that humanity needs to prepare for changes far sooner than expected," says joint lead author Dr Simon Willcock of Bangor University's School of Natural Sciences.
"These rapid changes to the world's largest and most iconic ecosystems would impact the benefits which they provide us with, including everything from food and materials, to the oxygen and water we need for life."
-- submitted from IRC
Gregory S. Cooper, Simon Willcock & John A. Dearing. Regime shifts occur disproportionately faster in larger ecosystems. Nature Communications, 2020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15029-x
(Score: 2) by legont on Friday March 13 2020, @11:08PM (4 children)
Once upon a time the US cut all her trees to get on top of the world economy. Why would Brazil behave any different?
This whole green movement is designed to make sure Brazil never develops. Guess what, they not only want to develop, they actually want to lead the world and have the US girls for house help.
"Wealth is the relentless enemy of understanding" - John Kenneth Galbraith.
(Score: 1) by khallow on Saturday March 14 2020, @05:51PM (1 child)
My take is that it's just an unintended consequence - different parts of the world with different interests and concerns.
They'll have a long ways before that's possible.
(Score: 2) by legont on Saturday March 14 2020, @10:11PM
I might agree with you, but nevertheless, whoever asks for sacrifices for a greater good should do it herself. One can't ask Brazil to stop cutting trees until her personal comfort is better than Brazil's.
My point is not moral, mind you. It simply would never work otherwise. Once Brazil is better developed that the US, they will start green movement for sure.
"Wealth is the relentless enemy of understanding" - John Kenneth Galbraith.
(Score: 2) by corey on Sunday March 15 2020, @08:46PM (1 child)
Because we're all fucked if they cut it, read the article.
The difference is, the US was able to, without major ramifications to Earth's oxygen production. This is different.
(Score: 2) by legont on Monday March 16 2020, @02:50AM
The US is totally willing to risk extermination of life on Earth (re: Soviets) to get her goals. Therefore Brazil can, and will, get her goals no matter what.
"Wealth is the relentless enemy of understanding" - John Kenneth Galbraith.